UKCW speaker calls for greater industry openness

Greater openness and communication between various stakeholders in the built environment is key in bridging the performance in energy efficiency, says architectural technologist Kevin Crawford, ahead of his appearance at the Build Show this October.

Crawford, who is Vice President Technical for the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT) is speaking at a session which looks at how to make money from energy efficiency work, taking place on Wednesday 7 October, as part of the inaugural UK Construction Week.

He continues, “Having robust details for any design is crucial, that will further understanding between architects and those on the construction side. If things are presented in a way that people will understand, the more chance a project is going to be built properly.”

Going into greater detail he maintains the fabric of the building is the most important part in the long run in terms of achieving energy efficiency, “Installing solar panels or having efficient heating systems: those things only have a finite life cycle. Good quality wall detailing junctions are critical as a lot of heat is lost through these junctions as it is drawn to the corners.”

As well as his role with CIAT, he also heads up his own architectural technologist practice, Crawford Architectural Design Services which as well as domestic schemes and commercial office refurbs, is also currently working on a retail development in the East End of Glasgow.